Write a spooky story for Halloween contest

It's time for The Record's annual Halloween story contest. Writers of all ages are encouraged to submit stories of 300 or fewer words continuing the following story:

The Record

It's time for The Record's annual Halloween story contest. Writers of all ages are encouraged to submit stories of 300 or fewer words continuing the following story:

The old-timer chuckled when he read the advertisement in The Record offering a grand prize to the school in San Joaquin County and the surrounding foothills that comes up with the best haunted house for Halloween. "You know who's going to win and why, don't you?" he asked his wife. The scariest school is ...

Awards will be given in six divisions: kindergarten and first grade; second and third grades; fourth through sixth grades; seventh and eighth grades; high school and adult. Gift cards will be awarded to the winners.

Deadline for submission of stories is Friday, Oct. 25, no exceptions. Each person may enter as many stories as he or she likes. Each entry must include a first and last name, the appropriate division for the entry, and contact information, either a phone number or an e-mail address. Teachers must submit their contact information if entering a class set of stories.